Penson Worldwide, Inc. Nominates Futures Industry Leader Bernard W. Dan to Board of Directors

Penson Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: PNSN), a leading provider of execution, clearing, settlement and custody and technology products and services to the global financial services industry, today announced that Bernard W. Dan has been nominated to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors and audit committee, subject to his election at the next annual shareholders meeting on April 29, 2008.

Mr. Dan, the former President and CEO of the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), would replace Ronald G. Steinhart, a Director since January 2006, who has decided not to stand for re-election due to his desire to devote more time to other commitments.

Mr. Dan is currently Special Advisor for the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings Inc. (CME), a position he has held since July 2007. Prior to the merger between CME and the CBOT, Mr. Dan served as the President and CEO of the CBOT, positions he held since 2002. Mr. Dan also served as a member of the board of directors of OneChicago from 2002 to 2007 and as a member of the board of directors of the National Futures Association from 2003 to 2007.

“We appreciate Ron Steinhart’s valuable service to Penson,” said Philip A. Pendergraft, CEO of Penson. “At the same time, we are excited about Bernie Dan joining Penson’s Board as we continue to grow our Company."